The news that National Basketball Association (NBA) star Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) is going under the knife has stunned American basketball fans.
The news of Embiid’s surgery could mean that he won’t be able to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, 현금홀덤사이트 France in July, let alone play in the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Friday that the center will undergo cartilage surgery on his left knee this week. He is expected to miss an extended period of time.
Some have speculated that Embiid could return to the court at the end of the NBA’s 2023-2024 season, but if he pushes himself too hard, it could impact the Olympics.
Embiid is also a French citizen, but he’s committed to playing for the United States at the Olympics.
His absence would leave the U.S. with a hole at center. At the World Cup, the U.S. struggled against taller European teams without a center, especially France, which has 6-foot-9 Victor Wen-Banyama, who could pose a threat to the U.S. in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Embiid was a strong MVP candidate this season, but his high number of missed games has left him out of the running.
To be considered for the award, a player must play at least 65 regular-season games, and Embiid has already missed 13 games, making it difficult for him to win a second straight MVP award.
He was averaging 35.3 points per game, including a scorching 70-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on March 23.